Importance of Bike Registration Certificate (RC)

What is RC of Bike?

According to Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every bike owner must have a Registration Certificate (RC) to ride their bike legally on the Indian roads. An RC is a certified document that ascertains the registration of your vehicle with the transport authority of the Government of India.

The RTO offers a unique identification number during the registration process. This number is displayed on the vehicle registration number plate.

Types of Bike Registration Certificate(RC)

Two types of bike registration certificates are offered in India. They have been explained below:

• Temporary Registration Certificate

  The dealer gives you a temporary registration number when you buy a new bike. This provisional registration certificate is only valid for one month, and therefore, you must get it permanently registered at your respective RTO within this time frame.

• Permanent Registration Certificate

  As the name states, it is the permanent vehicle registration number granted to your bike by the authorized RTO. The permanent vehicle registration number must be displayed on your bike's number plate.

What Does a Bike Registration CertificateContain?

Your bike's registration certificate includes crucial information related to your bike. They are as follows:

1. Registration number and registration date of the bike
2. Engine type and engine number of the bike
3. The manufacturing date of the bike.
4. Bike's chassis number
5. Bike's model number
6. Bike's colour
7. Bike's fuel type
8. Name and address of the bike owner

Features of the RC Book

Here are the key features of the RC book:

• The RC book of the vehicle acts as an official proof of registration of any motor vehicle.
• According to the Motor Vehicle Act, all motor vehicles must be registered in their respective RTO based on where the vehicle is supposed to be operated within 7 days of possessing the two-wheeler.
• The RC of any private vehicle (including two-wheelers) is valid for 15 years from registration.
• After the expiry, you can renew it for the next 5 years, provided your vehicle is in good condition.

Importance of Bike Registration Certificate

Like a bike insurance policy, you must carry your RC while riding the bike. To know how important is your bike's RC, read the below points:

1. In India, you must have an RC to drive your two-wheeler legally on public roads.
2. You will be fined if you fail to carry your RC while riding your bike. If it is your first offence, the fine for not having an RC is ₹ 5,000. For subsequent offences, you are liable to pay a penalty of up to ₹ 10,000.
3. In some cases, the traffic police might also seize your vehicle without an RC.
4. To get an online bike insurance policy, you must have your bike's RC. You can browse two-wheeler insurance companies on websites like Policybazaar.com to buy a suitable insurance policy for your motorcycle. Moreover, you can also use a bike insurance premium calculator to compute the premium amount before buying the policy.

How to Obtain a Bike Registration Certificate Online?

Just as you can buy bike insurance online, you can also get the bike registration certificate online. The process of online bike registration is simple and hassle-free. If you plan to register your vehicle on your own, visit the 'Vahan' portal in your browser. You can register your bike here and get the RC.

Moreover, you can also obtain a fitness certificate on the same website. If you want to transfer the bike's ownership to another person, you can also apply for the ownership transfer on this portal.

Fee for Obtaining a Registration Certificate (RC) in India

The fee for obtaining RC for different vehicles is highlighted in the table below:

How to Obtain a Duplicate Bike Registration Certificate?

If you lose your bike registration certificate, you can apply for a duplicate RC. Here are the steps that you can follow to obtain a duplicate bike certificate:

1. If you lose the RC or someone steals it, you must go to your local police station and file an FIR.
2. Fill and submit Form 26 for obtaining a duplicate RC.
3. If your bike is against a loan, submit a duly signed NOC from your bank or the finance.
4. Submit other documents asked with Form 26.

Documents Required for Getting a Bike RC

Below is the list of documents that need to be submitted with Form 26:

1. A copy of the FIR.
2. Bike insurance policy documents
3. NOC from your bank
4. PUC certificate
5. Tax payment copy (last 4 quarters)
6. Address proof of the bike owner
7. Identity proof of the bike owner

Once all the documents mentioned above are submitted, you must pay ₹ 300 as a fee to obtain a duplicate RC. After this, you will get an acknowledgement slip stating the receiving date for the hard copy of the duplicate RC.

Process of Converting RC Book to RC Smart Card

Convert paper RC book into an RC smart card can be done by submitting it at the registered RTO along with the following documents:

• Copy of insurance papers
• Copy of PUCC
• Original RC book
• Prescribed fee asked by the authority

How to Check RC Details?

There are 2 types of methods explained below to access your RC details:

1. Online Method

   To check it online, follow the below procedure:

   • Step 1: Visit Parivahan's official website.
   • Step 2: Click on 'Know Your Vehicle Details'.
   • Step 3: Open a new account if you do not have one. For existing users, log in directly.
   • Step 4: Enter the vehicle registration number.
   • Step 5: Enter the displayed captcha code and click the 'Vahan Search' option.
   • Step 6: Lastly,the RC details of your vehicle will be shown on the screen.

2. Offline Method

   To check if you do not have any internet access, follow the below procedure:

   • Step 1: Type VAHAN<space>vehicle’s registration number.
   • Step 2: Send this SMS to 7738299899 from the registered mobile no.
   • Step 3: Receive all RC information through SMS on your mobile phone.

How to Change Address on RC Book?

To change the address on your RC book, you must provide all the necessary documents to the registered RTO or Grade 1 Motor Vehicle Inspectors. The process usually takes 1 working day to complete.

Here is a list of documents needed to get it done:

• Submit a duly filled Form 33.
• For address change proof: affidavit stamped by public notary, ration card & electoral roll.
• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
• Passport size photographs

Is it Compulsory to Have the RC of the Vehicle While Driving?

In India, it is mandated that you carry an RC of the vehicle while driving it. Failing to do so will levy a fine of ₹ 5,000/- for the first offence and ₹ 10,000/- for subsequent offences by the traffic authority.

Final Thoughts

Remember, an RC is a mandatory document for legally riding your two-wheeler. An RC plays a vital role in giving a unique identity to your bike. Moreover, if you want to buy bike insurance online, you must have a bike registration certificate. Thus, obtain your motorcycle RC as soon as you buy a two-wheeler.